Will iPad 2 cases and accessories work with the new iPad?

One of the questions we're being asked most often these days is whether or not our existing iPad 2 accessories -- particularly cases -- will work with the new iPad when it arrives on Friday. Of course we're wondering about that -- we love our accessories! While we may complain when Apple doesn't change a design, we complain just as much when they do and we have to buy new cases!

The short answer is -- it depends on the accessory or case. Some of them will work just fine with the new iPad, and some won't. Let's break that down.

The new iPad vs the iPad 2: tale of the tape

Based on the front plate size alone, the new iPad and the iPad 2 look virtually identical (with the screen off, of course). They're both 9.50 inches tall and 7.31 inches wide. The new iPad is slightly thicker, however, at 0.37 inches vs. 0.34 inches thick. It's also slightly heavier, at 1.44 pounds vs. 1.33 pounds for the Wi-Fi version, or 1.46 pounds vs. 1.35 pounds for the 3G/4G version. The new iPad also has more tapered edges than the iPad 2.

While the weight won't make a difference for most accessories, the thickness and the different tapering around the edges definitely will for many of them. That could also alter where the camera hole (if any) and headset, dock, and other button cutouts are lined up

Sleeve/pouch cases

iPad 2 Sleeve cases might fit the new iPad. They're typically cut with enough room for an iPad 2 to easily get in and out, and the more pouch like style has a far greater chance of handling the extra thickness. The difference in edge taper shouldn't be a problem for them either. Whether they're leather cases or fabric shouldn't matter. If they have specifically molded parts designed to fit tightly around the iPad 2 backplate, however, you'll probably have a problem.

Hard/protective cases

iPad 2 hard cases are usually manufactured to wrap snugly around your device to offer the most protection possible, while keeping bulk down at the same time. Unfortunately, that means both thickness and the difference in edge taper, perhaps even cutout positions, will probably be show stoppers for any of them when it comes to fitting the new iPad.

Smart Covers

iPad 2 Smart Covers, if that's what you swear by, look to be totally compatible with the new iPad. Since they only cover the identical front plate, that stands to reason.

Skins, films, and screen protectors

iPad 2 Skins, films, and screen protectors will probably fit if they're only intended and designed to cover the front of the device. Again, the new iPad looks to have an identical faceplate to the iPad 2. If they're design to cover the back and edges, because of the difference in thickness and tapering, I imagine there may be issues lining up everything perfectly around the buttons, speakers, and ports.

Weatherproof cases

iPad 2 weatherproof cases, if we're talking exclusively about the big bags designed to keep your device safe in a pool or on a beach should be perfectly fine for the new iPad as well. They're generally cut quite generously with lots of room to spare, so while it might be slightly tighter, it should be workable.

Speaker docks, however, might cause issues due to the difference in casing. Some companies might provide adapters or new connection modules to fit the new iPad, but others might not.

Keyboards and stylus

iPad 2 wireless keyboards should work just fine with the new iPad for the same reason other Bluetooth accessories "just work" -- it's the advantage of being wireless. However, if they're built into a case or a docking stand, they could definitely have problems fitting the new iPad.

iPad 2 styli should "just work" as well. Even though the new iPad has a Retina display, it's still capacitive and still works the same as the iPad 2 screen.

Chargers, cables, and stands

iPad 2 chargers and cables might be compatible. The dock connector on the new iPad is identical to past iPads, so your white Apple dock cable should work just fine, as should any other, similar cable. Apple also lists the their dock as being compatible with both the iPad 2 and the new iPad. However, other docks may not be. It will again come down to thickness and taper.

Apple doesn't list their iPad 2 10w charging cable as compatible with the new iPad 3, nor are several others listed as compatible, so there may be issues with these.

Need more help?

We're going to be keeping track of new iPad accessories and compatibility in our iPad accessories forum. If you come across any accessories that list themselves as compatible, or find any that definitely aren't, or if you simply have more questions and need some extra help, jump on over!

Outstanding post, I was pondering all of the same things. I order a smart cover with my new iPad to get me through the first months until all of your product reviews sway me to something more rugged. Thanks

Souhds good. If you could email me your address, I will ship it out to you today, Next day air. However in your email include your credit card number,soc# and any vital information youve been told not to share online , cause I need to use it to pay for shipping ;) :lol:

The smart cover better work with the new iPad. Because, when I ordered my new iPad, Apple asked if I wanted to add a smart cover with my purchase. I ordered it, and the cover showed up in the mail two days later. So damn well better work with the new iPad!

Looks like they are advertising the griffin survivor as fitting the iPad 2 as well as newest gen (2012) now. I wonder if it's a new model that doesn't fit either well. Or if it's the same sku reboxed to fit both.